The TOK exhibition is an internal assessment task (marked by your teacher, and moderated by the IB), representing ⅓ of your overall mark in TOK.
The aim is to show how TOK manifests itself in the world around us.
To do this, you choose an IA prompt (from a list of 35 options), select 3 specific real-world ‘objects’, and write a commentary connecting the objects to your prompt.
During Y12 you will write ‘mini’ TOK exhibition commentaries on specified questions to prepare you for the real write up and get feedback on your ability to address TOK in your writing.
It is recommended that the context for your commentary is based on the core or optional themes (knowledge & and the knower, knowledge & language or knowledge & technology).
10 Important considerations before you begin
Your objects must be different from those of the other students in your class.
You MAY choose the same IA prompt as another student in your class.
You should NOT alter the IA prompt in any way.
Choose objects that are of personal interest to you and relate to you and your real life context.
Objects must belong within a specific time & place (rather than be generic)
Objects may be something that students have created themselves (e.g. a piece of work – such as an EE, or a painting for their DP visual art course), but may not be created specially for the exhibition.
Objects can be physical or digital.
The overall word count for the commentary is 950 words.
Images, ideas, and quotes should all be referenced.
Your teacher will support you during the process of creating the exhibition, with at least one initial meeting, and one check of a draft you provide – for which they can provide written or oral feedback.
What kind of objects can be selected?
You can select a wide variety of objects for your exhibition. Here are some examples. If you are still unsure with what an objects you can use. Please refer to your TOK teacher.
An piece of artwork or musical composition you created
Please use this guide to remind you of the key assessments and teaching content.
How we explore the themes & AOKs – The knowledge framework
Nature and scope
Nature and scope deals with the type of knowledge found within the themes and areas of knowledge, the purpose of its knowledge, why it is important for us as knowers, and the kind of problems it helps us solve.
Perspectives
Perspectives deals with the way our personal and societal perspectives inform the way we view the themes and areas of knowledge, how knowledge changes over time, and how context affects what we know.
Methods and tools
Methods and tools deals with the practices used to produce knowledge within the themes and areas of knowledge, the cognitive and material tools that create ideas, and how knowledge is communicated and shared between knowers.
Ethics
Ethics deals with the relationship between knowledge and values within the themes and areas of knowledge, how our knowledge influences our moral outlooks, and the ethical constraints placed on the way knowledge is produced.
How we express our understanding – The 12 key concepts